Congress and Representation
The United States Congress
"Politicians exploit rational ignorance by conferring large benefits on certain constituents whose costs are widely dispersed and borne by the general population." --Walter Williams 
I.	Institutional Analysis of Congress
	A.	Madison's Scheme of Representation ----->Dispersed Powers -----> Compromise: the harmonization of the diverse interests ---> The "Public Good"
	B.	There are three levels of Congressional representation
		1.	the micro level,
			a.	which should, in the Madisonian scheme, lead to representation of the public interest, and 
		2.	the macro level 
			a.	which is representation of the nation's interests.
	C.	The tension between the two leads to general inaction
		1.	This tension is fostered by re-election activities and the norm of universalism. 
II.	The major problem of the modern Congress is the lack of collective responsibility
	A.	Micro level Representation: 
		1.	if members are single minded seekers of election, there will be
			a.	Credit claiming
				(1)	to take credit for successes of the excutive branc
				(2)	blame the executve branch ofr policy failure. 
				(3)	This leads to particularized benefits, 
					(a)	constituency service; pork.
					(b)	There are winners but no losers.
					(c)	there is no conflict.
			b.	Advertising
				(1)	getting the members name into circulation and connected with a positive image.
			c.	Position taking
				(1)	speaking, not necessarily doing.
					(a)	Taking positions to please constituents.
	B.	What helps members get re-elected?
		1.	Specialization
			a.	is a function of complex organizations
		2.	Reciprocity 
			a.	proceeds from expertise; we defer to other experts.
			b.	Both of these encourage the norm of universalism.
		3.	Norm of Universalism:
			a.	there is no relationship between any members re-election and the re-election of any other member;
				(1)	there is, thus, no conflict over many things.
	C.	Perquisites:
		1.	Frank, staff, etc.
		2.	Campaign Finance:
III.	Macro Level
	A.	Members are not elected at this level, therefore
		1.	there is no incentive to:
			a.	enhance the image of Congress.
			b.	do nation's work.
	B.	The Problem is The Tragedy of the Commons
		1.	It is in no one's self interest to be concerned with the whole;
			a.	no one is responsible for the whole
				(1)	each individual cannot have a great enough impact to be of consequence
		2.	however, when put together the impact is massive and no one is responsible.
IV.	The third level is the mid-range: 
	A.	Leadership.
		1.	Speaker, Majority Leader, Committee Chairs
		2.	leadership is not an incentive in re-election of members.
		3.	However, members at some level enter politics to achieve
			a.	therefore they seek power.
			b.	Committee Chairs
				(1)	based on seniority on the committee
				(2)	power is huge
				(3)	reforms of the 1970s changed absolute power.
	B.	Parties
		1.	On paper, parties, in Congress, look strong. 
			a.	Congress is a hierarchical organization run by parties: 
			b.	Speaker, majority leader, whips, etc. 
			c.	But, in order to have power, parties must be able to control recruitment (very weak) and retention. 
		2.	Compared to the committee system and seniority, parties have given away most of their potential power and control.
			a.	the explanation is the dichotomy of parties in the electorate have declined parties as organizations have not.